An article from 1932 on file in the Historical Honeybee Articles Archive
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles
suggest that the bee business was not affected by the depression.
I do not know if the same would hold true in todays economic downturn.

====ARTICLE====

Daily News
Thursday, April 14, 1932 Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Bee Business Fails to Feel Depression

Washington, April , 13.-—The
bee business isn't, much affected
by the depression, the Department
of Agriculture reports.

Last year's honey crop was
worth about $10,000,000, and
bees-wax about $1,000,000. The
value of bees in the pollination of
fruit was said to be great, although
it is inestimable.

New methods of preparing and
wrapping honey have stimulated
the market, the Department
states. Likewise nickel candy
bars containing honey and almonds
have had a huge sale and 
consequently increased the use for
honey.

====END====

There seems to have been a belief during the depression by some, that the 
industrial revolution and mass production was the cause for the 
depression. Although it appears beekeepers were weathering the depression 
rather well, it seems the bees were having some lean years, perhaps due to 
weather.  

With many working class longing for a return to the 'good old days' prior 
to the mass production era, there were some articles expressing this 
desire by example of the honeybees performance at the time. 

====ARTICLE====

Middletown Times Herald
September 08, 1932 Middletown, New York 

“Unemployed Bees Through some curious coincidence the bees are passing 
through lean years even as man is muddling and suffering through a period 
of depression…”

“…seeming loss of bee thrift and providence may be due to a bumbling 
dislike for mass production. It is argued that bees prefer personal 
contact with the keeper and that never again will the busy bee be busy and 
a willing worker unless the individualized family hive returns to sting to 
life the old apple orchard….”

====END====

Best Wishes,
Joe

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